A NEW multi-million pound transport interchange in Manchester city centre opens on Sunday.

Shudehill Interchange, which cost £28 million to develop and build, boasts a state-of-the-art bus station, a Metrolink tram stop and a 777 space car park.

More than 1,000 buses will pass through the Interchange every day, mostly travelling into the city centre from the north and west of Greater Manchester.

Located close to Victoria train station and the MEN Arena and next door to the Printworks, the revitalised Arndale shopping centre and the Northern Quarter, Shudehill Interchange will offer convenient links to the heart of the city centre.

Along with frequent tram services, the free Metroshuttle bus service (green route 2) will run every ten minutes between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday, and between 10am and 6pm on Sundays.

As well as offering travellers a safe and comfortable waiting environment, the Interchange offers a second city centre GMPTE Travelshop to complement the one at Piccadilly Gardens.

Later opening hours at the Interchange mean that passengers will be able to get impartial travel advice and purchase a range of tickets in the city centre up to 7.30pm.

People can also take advantage of a Photo-Me booth, a no fee cash machine and internet kiosks. A newsagent and cafe will open from Sunday, with more shops to open in the coming months. There are also fully accessible toilets with baby changing facilities available between 7am and 8.30pm.

GMPTE Projects Director, Michael Renshaw, said: "Shudehill Interchange will be a major boost for city centre travellers. It's a modern, stylish building which offers safe and comfortable surroundings for passengers.

"We've made plenty of information available about the changes to city centre bus services and I'm hopeful of a smooth transition this weekend.

"To find out more about the changes bus users can either call the Traveline, drop into a GMPTE Travelshop or take a look on www.gmpte.com."

Shudehill Interchange will be staffed from 7am to 11pm every day and is protected by CCTV. The Travelshop will be open from 7am to 7.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 6pm Sundays and Bank Holidays.

From 29 January, parts of Corporation Street and Cross Street (between Withy Grove and New Market) will be closed to traffic between 11am and 7pm to enhance public safety and improve the city centre environment. Only the free Metroshuttle bus services will still have access to this area.

The changes are being introduced by Manchester City Council on a trial basis so that their effect on the use of buses, as well as pedestrian and visitor satisfaction and safety, can be monitored.

Major changes to city centre bus routes mean that many passengers will be using different stops. For detailed information on city centre bus service changes passengers can pick up a leaflet from GMPTE Travelshops or download it from www.gmpte.com